Our Scripture meditation is based on John 14:15-17, the start of the Gospel Reading for next week, the Sixth Sunday of Easter. For a meditation on the Epistle Lesson, click HERE.
[15] “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. [16] And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, [17] even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.
When I teach this Bible passage there are always a few participants alarmed by the reading. One parishioner asked, “Does this mean we’re possessed by the Holy Spirit, like being possessed by a demon?!”
While I would never use the term “possessed” in reference to the God the Holy Spirit, I can empathize with the church member’s concern. In the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod we do not spend as much time and energy on the third article of the Apostles’ Creed as we do the first and second articles.
That said, the Holy Spirit does dwell within us. I mean this literally. We received this “indwelling” when we were brought to faith in Jesus, whether through baptism or the Gospel. (Acts 2:38)
This is not something radically new for God’s people. Under the old covenant with Israel God dwelled with His people. First, God’s presence was in the Tabernacle (Exodus chapters 25-31). Next, God dwelled in the Temple in Jerusalem. (1 Kings 8:10-11)
Due to Jesus’ salvific work, Gid made a new covenant for all people. In this new covenant, God still dwells with his people. Only now God chooses to dwell in His people.
This indwelling of the Holy Spirit is meant to comfort us, not discomfort us. Jesus calls the Holy Spirit a “Helper.” The Spirit is working not only keeping us in the faith, but strengthening our faith.
Until next week, the Lord bless and guide.
Kevin Wilson 360 